Winemaking

Our viticulturalist and winemaker head up the Bluemetal Vineyard production team and work very closely together.

In the weeks leading up to harvest, there is especially close liaison between them to determine the optimal picking date for the fruit. The key factors are the Baumé (sugar content) and physiological ripeness, the flavours and the levels of natural acidity, and each is assessed more or less on a daily basis.

If the weather conditions are challenging, our viticulturalist has to work extra hard in the vineyard to try and achieve the desired levels of ripeness. Fortunately, he can exercise quite a bit control through careful pruning and canopy and intra vine management.

When the decision to pick is made and the grapes are harvested, all the responsibilities pass to the winemaker.

Our winemaker takes a relatively hands-off approach in his production and manages the process with as little intervention as possible.

Ultimately, his aim is to let the wines ‘speak for themselves and express the true varietal characteristics of the grapes they are made from.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

James Halliday's recent tasting notes rated our Fumé Blanc 2008 

94 points and 5 glasses 

Tasting Notes: "Fragrant citrus and Passionfruit aromas flow through onto the lively palate where oak simply provides texture without dimishing the fruit profile; the finish is long and fresh. Exemplary winemaking. 13% Alcohol. Drink in 2011.

 ______________________________________________________________________________________________

Vintage Variation

Minor vintage variation is natural in most cooler climate regions such as the Southern Highlands

Though Bluemetal Vineyard's wines are generally consistent from year to year, climate inevitably influences the ripeness of the grapes. This is especially evident in the reds.

Warmth and sunlight levels are particularly critical for the Bordeaux varieties  – Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot – which are all late ripeners and can be affected by adverse weather.

Obviously this is something we can do very little about, so we’ve learned to live with the variability of the climate. In fact, we do our best make a virtue out of it by allowing seasonality to highlight the best qualities in our wines.

Regular Bluemetal Vineyard customers are familiar with some vintage variation and most accept that this makes our wines more interesting than those that are made to taste identical year after year.